EU state rolls out requirement for ‘porn passports’

In an effort to combat the growing issue of minors accessing online pornography, the Spanish government is set to introduce a unique solution – a government-issued phone application. This app will require users to verify their age and obtain a limited number of credits before accessing adult content. The move follows alarming statistics revealing high levels of porn consumption among young people in Spain, prompting the implementation of stricter regulations.

Referred to as the “pajaporte,” or “masturbation pass,” the app is expected to launch by the end of the summer. Users will need to prove they are 18 or older through government-issued ID and will be issued 30 credits valid for a month. The application will generate a QR code for access to adult websites, with each credential usable only ten times to protect user privacy.

The regulation will encompass both Spanish and foreign porn providers, with the National Cybersecurity Institute monitoring compliance. Eventually, the EU’s digital identity system, eIDAS2, may replace the “pajaporte” once EU-wide age verification laws are in place by October 2027.